Christmas is coming

The last couple of weeks in November were full of happenings and mis-happenings. Some things good, some things bad. Some things quite ugly.

I managed to catch up with my blind buddy Roger for a tandem jolly. We hadn’t cycled together for a while, so this was nice. Roger had hinted at a short cycle since we hadn’t been out in a while, however, we cycled about 50k all in. Must have cycled nearly another 50k getting too Rogers and back.

Continued cycling a number of Zwift workouts. Some of these were with the Phantom who continued to complain they were ‘stinkers'. I ditched 1 workout cos my legs were so sore - probably from my cycle with Roger. Managed to cycle outdoors on 1 occasion too.

My car got scrapped which was mix of emotions. The car was pants, had no air-con or modern features but it was my means of transport to work. I’m currently car less and am awaiting a lease car which is likely to take months. 

GP called me with positive news. He said my good cholesterol had increased and the bad cholesterol had decreased. He felt bad cholesterol was still too high (at level 4 and he would like it to be level 3). I’ve got 6 months to continue better habits and convince GP I’m targeting my cholesterol.

Thrilled to bake my bread

My headspace has been filled with wild camping ideas, and I practiced making bread. The bread is improving but I haven’t nailed it yet. Cooked a successful shakshuka though which even SJ seemed to enjoy. SJ has completed an awesome DIY yob on my hammock under quilt which now enables me to cinch the ends. 

SJ's handiwork

The Phantom has learned to splice and all being well, he’s agreed to help me make a structured ridge line (SRL). I have an over quilt ready for Spring - Autumn seasons too. Took out my DD tarp and its massive - can’t wait for my next hammock adventure.

Home Office

And, an old pair of curtains

SJ has also fixed me new (old) curtains in my office which I love. Our home is having a kind of makeover - new windows coming, a log burner and a bike shed too. Koo koo ka choo!

Two further ParkRun’s were completed, both in wet weather and both at Arrow Valley. The first of these was with my mate Flairio who successfully completed her second walk to date. My times were 27:31 and 24:28 respectively. Weirdly, my running V02 max has increased for the first time in absolute ages and is currently 47 (cycling score dropped to 51).

Other things to note included the festivities surrounding the Studley light switch on and a dad's day where we all ate too many sweets and watched Stranger Things. I’m sure if I thought hard enough more stuff could be discussed, though I don’t really have the energy. As ever, further adventure awaits.